Joel D. Wallach (born in St. Louis County, Missouri on June 4, 1940) is an American veterinarian and naturopath. He markets colloidal minerals as a treatment for many conditions and makes many controversial claims. He is openly critical of many mainstream medical treatments. His marketing, treatments and claims are the subject of criticism.
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Background
Wallach obtained a BS degree in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1962, with a major in Animal Husbandry (Nutrition) and a minor in Field Crops and Soils. In 1964 he was awarded a DVM degree, also from the University of Missouri. Thereafter, Wallach completed a three year (1965-68) post-doctoral fellowship at The Center for the Biology of Natural Systems at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1982 he obtained a ND degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. His major sales pitch is made through his Multi Level Marketing company and syndicated radio show that promote audiotapes entitled "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" in which he makes many claims which include:
- Mineral deficiencies are responsible for most chronic diseases
- Only "colloidal" minerals can be adequately absorbed [in adults] and contain all the essential minerals.
His syndicated radio show is based on callers who describe a personal health care problem on air. In many (if not most) cases Wallach indicates that the cause of their health care problem is a mineral deficiency or imbalance. He often encourages the caller to purchase one of his mineral supplement products.
During his radio show Wallach approaches the concept of health and disease from a naturopathic perspective and often admonishes the traditional medical establishment, including the traditional practices of MD qualified medical doctors. He is openly critical of many medical treatments and has offered to debate medical doctors.[citation needed]
Critics like James Pontolillo[1] are skeptical of his claims and research. His article debunks many claims made by Wallach, such as a calcium deficiency causing Bell's Palsy -- known to be a from a cranial nerve paralysis. It also highlights other claims not supported by any clinical research, and highlights the potential harm from vitamin overdosing.
A comprehensive explanation of why colloidal minerals are nutritionally useless (and may in fact cause bodily harm) is given by a recent article from Cecil Adams of Straight Dope fame.[2]. For those unfamiliar with them, The Straight Dope[3] is known for researching and debunking popular myths.
Recent studies in rodents have shown a link between mineral deficiencies and developmental problems.[4] No peer-reviewed scientific work, however, has shown that "colloidal" minerals are absorbed any better or worse than normal minerals are, in humans or animals. Any evidence in favour of "colloidal" minerals is therefore anecdotal and scientifically unproven.
Peer-reviewed publications
- D. Wallach, Ma Lan, Wei Han Yu, Bo-Qi Gu, Feng Teng Yu and Roy F. Goddard (1990). Common denominators in the etiology and pathology of visceral lesions of cystic fibrosis and Keshan Disease. Biol. Trace El. Res. 24: 189 — 205.[5]
- Charney AN, Wallach JD, Donowitz M, Johnstone N. Effect of cycloheximide on corticosteroid-induced changes in colonic function. Am J Physiol. 1982 Aug;243(2):G112-6.[6]
- Wallach JD. A connection between bulimia and depression? Am J Psychiatry. 1986 Mar;143(3):390-1.[7]
- Lowenkopf EL, Wallach JD. Bulimia: theoretical conceptualizations and therapies. J Am Acad Psychoanal. 1985 Oct;13(4):489-503.[8]
- Boever WJ, Thoen CO, Wallach JD. Mycobacterium chelonei infection in a natterer manatee.J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1976 Nov 1;169(9):927-9.[9]
Published books
- Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MS. Let's play herbal doctor. Wellness Publication LLC, Bonita CA, 2001. ISBN 0970149077.
- Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MS. Dead doctors don't lie. Legacy Communication Group Incorporated, 1999.
- Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MS. Rare Earths, Forbidden cures. Double Happiness Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 0970149085.
- Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MS. Let's play doctor! Double Happiness Publishing Company, 1998. ISBN 0970149093.
- Joel D. Wallach, DVM and William J. Boever, DVM. Diseases of exotic animals: medical and surgical management. W. B. Saunders Company, 1983.
- Joel D. Wallach, DVM and Josephine Wallach. Rhino express. Vantage Press, 1978.
References
- ^ James Pontolillo. Colloidal Mineral Supplements: Unnecessary and Potentially Hazardous
- ^ http://www.straightdope.com/columns/080314.html What’s the deal with colloidal silver?
- ^ http://www.straightdope.com/ The Straight Dope: Fighting Ignorance since 1973 (it's taking longer than we thought)
- ^ http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/133/5/1477S Developmental consequences of trace mineral deficiencies in rodents: acute and long-term effects.
- ^ PMID: 1702672
- ^ PMID: 6287851
- ^ PMID: 3456726
- ^ PMID: 3865921
- ^ PMID: 988008
External links
Sites run by Wallach
Critics
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